Community Highlights: Meet Karah Rainwater of Black College Culture

Today we’d like to introduce you to Karah Rainwater.

Hi Karah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
As the CEO of Black College Culture and a Los Angeles native that attends Thee Illustrious Southern University A&M College, I bring my passion and excitement of all things HBCU to the masses. My background in digital marketing, content creation, and design helped fuel my desire to launch Black College Culture. As a California student, I didn’t not have exposure to HBCU life and culture, I am committed to sharing with students from similar backgrounds to ensure that they understand the magnitude and impact that HBCUs have on the lives and outcomes of its students. After completing my first year of college and seeing firsthand the culture, education, and experience that HBCUs offer, I decided to create a brand that would help spread a very important message to those who may now have exposure to HBCUs. This year on my 19th birthday, I launched my lifestyle and apparel brand, Black College Culture and am passionate about growing my business.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As a college entrepreneur, running a business while being a full-time student has not been easy. I work diligently to balance my academics, social life, and operating Black College Culture. I’ve learned to manage my schedule by blocking time, prioritizing tasks, and leverage friends and family for support. Another struggle I’ve encountered as a college entrepreneur has been finding funding for my newly established business. Through lots of research, partnering with local business centers, and following various business social media accounts, I’m expanding my toolkit as a new business owner. As my business grows, I plan to expand to various product offerings, with an ultimate goal of uplifting and edifying HBCUs across the country.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Black College Culture was founded to serve as a platform for highlighting the Historical impact and cultural significance of Historical black colleges and universities. HBCUS have been a vital component of black progress and advancement since the 1800s. In contemporary times, Black colleges provide African American students with an opportunity to advance their education, enrich their cultural experience, and serve as a springboard to success. Black college culture is committed to assuring that both students and potential students across the United States understand the overall value and significance of Historical black colleges and universities. Our platform will serve as a singular destination for HBCU news, culture, and apparel. With an ultimate goal of bringing the beauty and magic of HBCUs to all. We offer apparel including crewnecks and varsity jackets, in the future we plan on expanding to offer additional apparel and other lifestyle items.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I absolutely consider myself a risk taker, launching a business while being an out-of-state college student is risky. I had to test my ability to accomplish my two life goals of running a successful business and earning a college degree. Without risks, there is no reward. I am excited to continue being a risk taker as I move toward my journey to success.

Pricing:

• Crewnecks $50.00
• Varisty Jackets $65.00

Contact Info:

• Website: http://blackcollegecultureapparel.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackcollegeculture/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackcollegeculture

Image Credits
Pretty Witty Designs